As I write this piece for February’s Moreton Hall Directory, the whole world is reeling from the terrorist attacks in Paris and Belgium and the sight of one and a half million people protesting in Paris with world leaders at their head. There is a strong possibility that this will all be forgotten by the time you get to read this, but I sincerely hope not. As we come to terms with the new reality, other issues begin to raise their heads. Suffering in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, at the hands of those who want to set up purely Islamic states, is far worse and more deadly than anything we have faced in Europe. Thousands of people are slaughtered on a regular basis and those two hundred school children have still not returned home and, as far as we know, are being used as sex slaves by their captors.
Our dilemma is that on the one hand everyone should have the right to think and to a certain extent to say what they like provided it does not cause anyone harm. On the other hand we can become so concerned not to offence that some people make the most outrageous statements which do wound mentally as well as lead physical attacks and even killing.
As always in these situations, I remind myself of the teaching of Jesus. One of the things he commanded us was ‘to turn the other cheek’. This means in simple terms not to retaliate like for like. It is said of Jesus in the New Testament that when ‘he was reviled, he reviled not again’. There is a certain quality of character that can always rise above insults, and if you are a spiritual person you should seek God’s help to do that.
It is also worth remembering that if spiritual people serve an all-mighty and all-powerful God surely He is big enough to take care of Himself. He does not need others to enter into French publishing houses and slaughter people with machine guns. That is why the scriptures also say ‘vengeance is mine, says the Lord. I will repay’. Of course, the whole world would be much better if everybody took the teachings of Jesus seriously and followed them to the letter.
For people of faith, and people of little or no faith, we have of listening carefully to what people say and respond appropriately. On some occasions it requires us t and use decisive actions even the taking up arms when needed. But never in anger and certainly not to respond to abuse with more abuse.
On the other hand, on occasions we have to man-up and take it on the jaw and realise that some people are just not as well balanced and well informed as we are. A truly spiritual person, when asked sincerely will always forgive. It does mean the offender has to admit they are wrong and want to seek reconciliation first. And that always takes time and understanding on both sides.
Finally, there is this. I think both Islam and Christianity will win far more friends if we say to people ‘we don’t like what you are saying about us, but we are not going to use the same sort of language and actions as you’. It may not offensive but it will show the purity of our faith more clearly to those who need to see it.
With every good wish,
Yours sincerely,
Revd. Canon Jonathan Ford.
Minister Christ Church Moreton Hall
